Trump Says Combat Operations Underway in Iran

The United States military has begun major combat operations in Iran, according to an announcement by Donald Trump in a video released on the White House’s YouTube channel.

Tensions between Washington and Tehran have significantly increased since Trump stated in the message that the operation is intended to defend the American people by removing what he described as immediate threats from the Iranian regime.

Earlier Israel said it launched a preemptive strike on Iran, with explosions reported in Tehran.

Amidst fears of Iranian missile or drone retaliation, the Israeli authorities activated nationwide sirens, closed schools and urged citizens to stay near shelters.

Iran has not yet released official casualty details.